Book Review of Fabio The Flamingo Detective: Mystery on the Ostrich Express
The Children’s Book Review
Fabio The Flamingo Detective: Mystery on the Ostrich Express
Written by Laura James
Illustrated by Emily Fox
Ages 6-9 | 128 pages
Publisher: Bloomsbury Children’s Books | ISBN: 9781547604593
What to expect: Mystery, animals, humor, chapter book
You might have heard of some amazing detectives, but they’ve got nothing on the world’s greatest flamingo detective – Fabio. “He’s not tall or strong, but slight and pink. And he’s very, very clever.”
Joined by his friend Gilbert, the totally lovable and sometimes bumbling giraffe, they solve mysteries. In this second book of the series, Fabio and Gilbert have a run-in on the Ostrich Express. While traveling to their vacation at the beach, a daring heist takes place on the Ostrich Express train. The Laloozee Ruby, a rare and precious necklace, has been stolen right off Zazie Fox’s pretty neck. Who did it? Can Fabio and Gilbert find the bandits who stole the necklace, or is the thief right under their noses?
Full of intrigue and excitement and with loads of silly humor, Mystery on the Ostrich Express is an exciting read for elementary-school children. There’s the mystery factor, the exotic location, and the adorable illustrations that make this one totally rounded and adorable adventure. Inset with tropically bright orange, hot pink illustrations, and page backgrounds, you’ll feel like you’re among the beautiful swaying palm trees. Fabio is rendered with a jaunty hat and a debonair tilt of his head that will leave little ones giggling.
Children will love Fabio, with his keen eye and witty humor, and his friend Gilbert is charming and funny. There are clues to be found and deciphered and a jewel to find, and young readers will adore every minute of trying to solve the mystery. We can’t wait for Fabio and Gilbert’s next adventure!
Highly recommended.
Buy the Book
About the Author
Laura James’s love of storytelling began at an early age and led her to undertake a degree in Film Studies and an MA in Writing for Young People at Bath Spa University. Laura’s debut novel Captain Pug was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize in 2017. Laura lives near Bath with her two dachshunds, Brian and Florence.
About the Illustrator
Emily Fox is an Illustrator based in Bristol, UK. She graduated from Falmouth University in 2013 with a First Class degree in Illustration. Emily was awarded ‘Highly Commended’ in the Macmillan Children’s Book competition in 2012. Her work is colorful and characterful.
Fabio The Flamingo Detective: Mystery on the Ostrich Express, written by Laura James and illustrated by Emily Fox, was reviewed by Denise Mealy. Discover more books like Fabio The Flamingo Detective: Mystery on the Ostrich Express by following our reviews and articles tagged with mystery, animals, humor, and chapter books.
